Since Cinema 9 shut its doors two years ago, the once notorious Sayreville pornography theater has sat empty.

The owners of a sports bar next door, however, hope to fill the Route 9 theater back up again, only this time with patrons looking for a good laugh.

Ethan H. LLC, owners of Prime Time Sports Bar & Billiards, want to knock down the wall connecting Cinema 9 to the bar and turn it into a comedy club.

But restrictions on the sports bar’s liquor license may prevent it from serving alcohol at the comedy club.

The bar’s bid for a liquor license was initially denied by the borough council because of an ordinance that states no two bars can operate within 2,000 feet of one another. Prime Time is in the same strip mall as Bourbon Street, a go-go club.

The ruling was overturned in 2003 by the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control on the condition that no live entertainment be permitted.

At the time, Bourbon Street was not opposed to the sports bar getting a liquor license, but also asked that the restriction against live entertainment be put into the agreement.

“We are not concerned with having the bar only, what we are concerned with is the live entertainment,” said Wayne Peck, the attorney representing Bourbon Street.

Peck said that the owners are concerned with what else the club could be turned into if allowed to host live entertainment. It could also turn into a competing adult entertainment venue, he said.

In a letter sent to the borough last week, Peck outlined his client’s concerns about the borough not being able to contain where alcohol is served in the establishment if the liquor license is extended.

The state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control also placed several other restrictions on the bar and billiards hall that restrict allowing minors into the facilities, require the owner to provide security and a restricted area where alcohol can be served in the bar and billiards hall.

Mayor Kennedy O'Brien said he was concerned about allowing establishments to extend liquor licenses as a way to get around purchasing separate licenses.

“It will set a dangerous legal precedent,” O'Brien said.

He said he does not have an issue with the theater being developed into a place that will generate business for the area.

Lawrence Sachs, a lawyer representing the sports bar owners, said that both the comedy club and bar would share the same kitchen making it a singular establishment in need of only one license.

He said the owners would be providing “wholesome” entertainment and that the owners would have the option to provide other types of entertainment in the future if they so desire.

He said that the sports bar has had no complaints from residents or problems needing of the police since it opened in Oct. 2002.

His clients will be making a presentation to the council on what the club will look like on Oct. 17.

The 10,000 square foot theater, has stood empty since it was closed down in 2002 after code violations and residents' complaints about the triple-X theater.

If Ethan H. LLC does decide to go ahead with the comedy, they would lease the theater from its current owner.

Okay. I guess it’s time for me to admit to myself the movie theater will not return.

I can’t recall what the last movie I did see at Cinema 9 was. However, I remember the “Gone With The Wind” reissue in the 70’s. Warm feelings of showmanship remain such as watching the curtain close as the title card “Intermission” and the outgoing music appeared. My mom wouldn’t buy me more popcorn at intermission because of the prices. Good thing she doesn’t take me to the movies today.

Watching a midnight viewing of “Tommy” and falling asleep thanks to the pre movie beverages and other assorted chemicals consumed. I have since remained awake till the credits.

Or unable to see a Disney movie because the theater’s policy after 7 pm was that children 15 and under had to have and adult accompany them.

Looking out the car window at the marquee and wishing I can see the Rated R movies playing there. For example “Lenny”. Eventually I did see my first rated R movie at Cinema 9. The night before I was confirmed. “Saturday Night Fever”. That movie taught me words I didn’t know existed! Hey, might as well get my last sins in before the confirmation.

I have some more memories that are best saved for myself. For some reason I dreamed of this theater last night and wanted to share.

Side note, the Sayrewoods Theater (Country Buffet now closed stands in it’s spot) did play legit films occasionally.

Ah Lost Memory, that photo brings back memories. To clarify a few things to the above posts. Having worked here as one of the union projectionists from 1985 to 89 (as well as the Sayrewoods 80 to 89 and Amboys 85-05), I can tell you that Sayrewoods was all porn from 1973 on. This Cinema 9 theatre was porn from 1981 on. The Sayrewoods closed in 91 for the big highway reconstruction project. As for the Madison Twin Cinema, it opened in 1961 and was twinned in 75. It remained open till late 84 or early 85. All these theatre have listings here on CT.

I lived nearby in Madison Park and went to many movies there in the 70s/early 80s including some of the x rated variety. I remember seeing “Squirm” a movie about giant snakes terrorizing the people, and walking home through the woods getting terrorized a bit by some Sayreville punks.